Filipino families are reaping the initial benefits of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) as more rice grades become available and affordable to different segments of the society.

“The RTL has not only significantly reduced rice prices in retail markets, but also provided consumers several types or grades of rice to choose from,” said Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar. “

The rice market segmentation is a very important outcome of the RTL with regards to rice prices. It only means that consumers have a choice depending on their preference and what they can afford,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) is offering an initial P2 billion that young students and entrepreneurs can borrow to start any agriculture, fishery or agribusiness venture.

"This is our way to attract the younger generation of Filipinos to be key players in attaining our vision of a food-secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers," said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

Ushering the new year, Agriculture Secretary William Dar reported the plans and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the coming months, including medium- and long-terms, during a press conference on January 3, 2020.

Dar issued Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2020 establishing the policy framework and strategies for inclusive agri-industrialization and “new thinking for agriculture.”

Training efforts are continuously being rolled out for farmers through the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP), a key component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Since the implementation of the RESP, 99 training (77 completed, 22 ongoing) have been extended to regional focals, agricultural extension workers, farmers and farm workers including members of cooperatives and associations.

Repost from Rappler

People are now paying attention to how we grow our food, and the youth may capitalize on this movement.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is now on the drawing board for the development of a Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to encourage the Filipino youth to venture into agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar, announced during a meeting with the local chief executives of Bicol, that the DA through ATI, will allocate funds to support young farmers to develop their own agricultural enterprise.